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Hans India
18-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
14th century Odia inscription in Bissamcuttack deciphered
Berhampur: A rare stone inscription, dating back to the glorious era of Eastern Ganga dynasty, discovered at Bissamcuttack in Rayagada district, has finally been deciphered -- unveiling names, titles and fragments of history lost to time. Originally rescued in the year 2000 by heritage enthusiast and researcher Sriranga Nayak, this priceless relic was nearly reduced to rubble at a local quarry. Nayak, acting swiftly on a tip, saved the stone slab, engraved with timeworn yet distinct Odia script, and sheltered it within his personal treasure trove, the Adikanda Sangrahalaya. The slab was later transferred to the District Sanskriti Bhavana in Rayagada for safekeeping. It was only recently, on July 10, that the text was brought to light by eminent epigraphist Bishnu Mohan Adhikari, who meticulously deciphered it at the very museum where it was once given refuge. The inscription, comprising five lines, mentions Sarabana Parija, son of Gobinda and grandson of Basupati, a warrior of note. Though fractured, split in two during quarrying, the stone still echoes the spirit of its time. Adhikari, through expert palaeographic study, dates it to 14th century CE. Beyond the script, the stone bears the faint figure of a quadruped animal, possibly the vahana or emblem of the official mentioned, adding a sacred visual element to the narrative. Sriranga Nayak emphasised Bissamcuttack's erstwhile glory as a flourishing capital under the Eastern Gangas. Two previous inscriptions from the area, one from Taruballi (modern Therubali) and another from Bissamcuttack, were earlier deciphered by the late Snigdha Tripathi, enriching the region's historical tapestry. According to Bishnu Adhikari, the individuals referenced may have been royal retainers or military commanders under a sub-lineage of the Ganga dynasty, perhaps descendants of the once-powerful King Dadarnna Deva. Titles like Basupati or Bhupati denote high-ranking senapatis entrusted with safeguarding the realm. This newly deciphered epigraph now joins the distinguished list of inscriptions from Padmapur, Therubali, and Bissamcuttack, forming the fourth major epigraphic record of the region. Deepak Kumar Nayak, noted archaeologist, hailed this as a historic milestone, further enriching Odisha's growing legacy of epigraphy. The revelation has kindled a surge of cultural pride and scholarly interest among historians and locals alike, reaffirming Bissamcuttack's place as a beacon of Odisha's medieval heritage.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Time of India
Apart from Jagannath Puri: 8 historical temples to visit in Odisha
Jagannath Puri is iconic, majestic, and practically one of the major crowd pullers in the region. But Odisha's temple run doesn't stop at Puri's gates. Here, you will find a treasure trove of historical temples that have managed to stand tall through wars, weather, and so much more. So, if you're temple-hopping in Odisha and want to avoid the crowd-surfing at Puri, here are nine lesser-known, no less divine, shrines to add to your spiritual bucket list. Konark Sun Temple Tucked away in the eastern state of Odisha, the Konark Sun Temple isn't just a monument—it's a jaw-dropping tribute to the original solar power icon, the Sun God himself. Built like a colossal chariot, complete with 24 stone wheels and seven horses (yes, all carved out of rock), this temple doesn't do subtle things. Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar It's one of the ancient temples built in the 7th century by King Jajati Keshari. This temple holds great reverence as the Linga here, representing Lord Shiva in his phallic form, is believed to be self-manifested. It rises impressively, standing 8 inches above the floor and spanning nearly 8 feet in diameter. Mukteshwar Temple, Bhubaneswar Built in the 10th century, this temple is from Somavamshi Dynasty, and is one of the prominent temples in Odisha's temple circuit. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pistol de sudură laser multifuncțional siginificant Află mai multe Undo Small, yes, but mighty in its intricacy. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the architecture of this temple gives a glimpse of innovation in Kalinga style of architecture. Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar This temple exudes a distinctive charm, which sets it apart. Built during the 11th century, the temple is often referred to as the 'Love Temple' by locals, it is famed for its intricate erotic carvings of couples and women adorning the sanctum sanctorum. Interestingly, the temple was originally known as the Indreswara Temple and was dedicated to Lord Shiva. Read more: First batch of pilgrims reaches Manasarovar Lake as yatra resumes after 5 years: Chinese Ambassador to India shares photos Taratarini Temple, Ganjam This temple is believed to be one of the four major Shakti Peethas, as mentioned in mythological texts from the Satya Yuga. With a history believed to span over 6,000 years and references in the Puranas, it stands as a significant pilgrimage site for devotees. Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Bhubaneswar Constructed in the 13th century, it's a rare and remarkable shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple stands out as one of the few in Odisha devoted exclusively to Krishna. It was commissioned by Queen Chandrika of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, who played a pivotal role in initiating and overseeing its construction. Her vision brought to life this architectural gem, which continues to be a revered spiritual site in the heart of Bhubaneswar. Read more: World's oldest 3.7 billion-year-old stromatolite fossils are in this country and intriguing facts about them Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur This temple is believed to be the first 64 Yogini temples in India, from which the tradition spread to other states. It's also the smallest among the four major surviving 64 Yogini temples, and was built around 900 AD with coarse sandstone. It now shows signs of erosion but still holds historical and architectural significance. Parashurameswar Temple, Bhuvaneshwar Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Parsurameswar Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Believed to have been built around 650 AD in the Nagara architectural style, it draws visitors from across the world eager to explore its ancient charm and enduring mysteries.
Hans India
16-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
Eastern Ganga-Haihaya rulers victory over Tughlaqs revealed
Berhampur: In an extraordinary revelation resurrecting the thundering hoof-beats of medieval glory, a rare 14th-century inscription discovered at the ancient Dharmalingeswar temple at Panchadharla in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh, has brought to light the long-forgotten military triumph of the combined forces of the Eastern Ganga dynasty of Utkala and the Haihaya rulers of Mahismati over the imperial armies of Delhi's Tughlaq dynasty. The monumental finding is chronicled in the newly published scholarly work 'Relics of Kalinga in South India, Part-I', meticulously documented by the INTACH Odisha State Chapter. The research expedition was led by Project Coordinator and author Deepak Kumar Nayak, with epigraphist Bishnu Mohan Adhikari and surveyor Suman Prakash Swain, who visited the site in November 2024. The inscription, carved onto three faces of a square black stone pillar at the temple's eastern gate, dates back to Saka Samvat 1325 (1403 CE). Penned in Sanskrit using Telugu script, it contains remarkable 93 lines of poetic and historic verse from the reign of Choda III, a sovereign of Haihaya lineage. Among its most compelling revelations is verse 16, which commemorates not just the construction of a temple gateway and grove, but a thunderous military episode: the defeat of Firoz Shah Tughlaq, then ruler of Delhi, by Choda II, an illustrious ancestor of Choda III. Acting as a subordinate commander under Eastern Ganga Emperor Bhanudeva III, Choda II led a daring expedition to Bengal to assist Sultan Haji Iliyas of Panduva in 1353 CE, when Delhi's forces threatened his kingdom. Bishnu Mohan Adhikari, the young epigraphist who deciphered the inscription, highlighted that this victory was not only political but deeply symbolic, cementing the martial alliance and matrimonial bond between the Eastern Gangas and the Haihaya warriors. In the aftermath, Choda II offered 22 elephants as war tribute to the King of Utkala and sent dancers to the Sultan of Panduva as Bijayashri — tokens of valour and conquest. The revelation suggests that the Sultan of Panduva might have been either a vassal or military ally of Odisha's powerful monarchs. The Haihayas, who ruled South Kalinga from 1200 CE to 1403 CE, had fortified dominions over Simhachalam and Panchadharla and played a critical role in repelling Northern imperialist advances into the South. The book, launched on April 27 in Cuttack, is authored by Deepak Kumar Nayak and jointly edited by Sanjib Chandra Hota (IAS retired) and Prof Asoka Kumar Rath. The first volume covers Kalingan relics across five Andhra districts: Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvatipuram Manyam, Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli. The upcoming volumes are set to unearth the vast Kalingan legacy across Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and remaining Andhra regions. This inscription is not just a stone, it's a silent scroll of sovereignty, whispering tales of valour, alliance and resistance that shaped the subcontinent's forgotten frontiers.
News18
06-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Who Does 'Jagannath Dham' Belong To? Digha Temple Becomes New Bengal-Odisha Flashpoint
Last Updated: Popular sand artist from Odisha Sudarshan Patnaik wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take appropriate action in the matte Jagannath Dham in Odisha's Puri, one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites, has stood as a symbol of spiritual legacy since the 12th century. But now around 500 kilometres from Puri, a new temple with the title 'Jagannath Dham" has been inaugurated recently in the coastal resort town of Digha in the east Medinipur district of West Bengal. Political parties mainly Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Biju Janata Dal (BJD), as well as the civil society of Odisha, have objected to the Mamata Banerjee government's decision to name the temple in Digha 'Jagannath Dham", saying there are only four 'dhams" (pilgrimage sites) in the country and they recognise only one 'Jagannath Dham" i.e. of Puri. 'Using this revered title for any other location may cause religious confusion and runs contrary to the longstanding traditions and cultural heritage of Hinduism," he stated. A moment to be cherished first glimpse of Lord Jagannath enshrined in the Garbhagriha of the Jagannath Temple in Digha will remain etched in my heart. I felt my spirit stir with the divine radiance emanating from the sacred idol. I had the privilege of performing… — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 30, 2025 Many Hindu priests, researchers, servitors and scholars have rejected the naming of Digha's Jagannath Temple as a 'Dham". Puri's titular king Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingha Deb, who is also the chairman of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, said that only the 12th century shrine in Puri can be called 'Jagannath Dham' as per scriptures. Deb, considered the first servitor of Lord Jagannath, in a statement, said, 'The Muktimundupa Pundita Sabha have said that the 'moola peetha' or original place of Shree Jagannath is 'Purushottama-kshetra' (Puri) and names, such as 'Jagannatha Dham', 'Purushottama-kshetra', 'Shreekshetra' and 'Neelachala Dham' refer only to Puri and cannot be used to refer to any other place where 'Chaturdha Daru Vigraha' (four-handed wooden idols) have been consecrated." Echoing similar sentiment, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati said, 'The word 'dham' should not be used as there is only one 'Dham' of Lord Jagannath which is in Puri. A 'Dham' can only be in one place. It would not be right to call this temple 'Dham'." Jagannath Dham History & Significance Jagannath Dham in Puri, Odisha, is one of Hinduism's most revered pilgrimage sites, forming the eastern point of the Char Dham circuit along with Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameswaram. The temple's construction dates back to the 12th century, initiated by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. However, legends and ancient texts suggest that the worship of Jagannath goes back centuries before the present structure. The temple's history is one of resilience, having survived invasions, looting, and multiple reconstructions, yet its spiritual significance has only grown stronger. Within the sanctum of the Jagannath Temple in Puri reside the sacred triad of deities: Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu; his elder brother, Lord Balabhadra; and their sister, Goddess Subhadra. These deities are distinctively carved from neem wood and collectively known as the Trimurti. Accompanying them is the Sudarshan Chakra, depicted not as a wheel but as a wooden pillar-like object, representing the divine power and cosmic energy associated with Lord Jagannath. The annual Rath Yatra, where the deities are carried on massive chariots through the streets of Puri, attracts millions of devotees and symbolizes the Lord's accessibility to everyone. Over the centuries, Jagannath Dham has emerged as a unifying center for various religious traditions and a focal point for the Bhakti movement, inspiring saints and devotees with its message of divine love and surrender. 'Use' Of Puri Jagannath Temple Sacred Wood To Make Idols in Digha The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) of Puri has issued a show cause to a senior servitor over the alleged use of surplus sacred wood of the 12th-century shrine in crafting idols in the temple at Digha. The notice was issued to Daitapati Nijog secretary and senior servitor Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra on the charge of 'creating confusion in the minds of countless devotees and worshippers" of Lord Jagannath through his contradictory statements and 'tarnishing the dignity" of the temple. 'Daitapati Nijog' is a group of servitors, considered bodyguards of Lord Jagannath. Dasmohapatra has been asked to give his reply within seven days from May 4. Dasmohapatra, along with 55 other servitors from Puri, attended the consecration ceremony at the Digha temple in the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on April 30. Dasmohapatra had allegedly used the Puri temple sacred wood, stored in 'Daru Gruha' (store room), to craft idols of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath for the Digha shrine and took them to the Digha Temple for installation. BJP Vs Mamata Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, who laid the foundation stone for the temple in Digha, reacted to the naming controversy. She said, 'We respect the temple in Puri and we also respect Jagannath Dham. Kaali Temple and Gurdwaras are everywhere across the country. Temples are there in all places…Why is there so much anger on this issue?" top videos View all Sambit Patra, BJP MP from Puri Lok Sabha seat, objected to the naming of Digha temple and said there is only one Jagannath Dham in the world, and it is not possible to call any other place Jagannath Dham. 'There are four Dhams in India, and among them, one is a very important Dham- Jagannath Dham, Puri, and there should be no doubt that no other place can be called Jagannath Dham…I think that as an MP from Puri and also as a politician from Odisha, I should wait to see what investigation the temple administration does and what the report of that investigation is," he said. Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 06, 2025, 14:15 IST News explainers Who Does 'Jagannath Dham' Belong To? Digha Temple Becomes New Bengal-Odisha Flashpoint
